Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone)
Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble benzoquinone with a side chain of ten isoprene units; ubiquinone is its oxidized form and ubidecarenone is its pharmacopeial name. Most commercial CoQ10 is made by microbial fermentation (yeast or bacteria), then extracted with solvents, purified and crystallized, though synthetic material also exists. Brands usually buy the yellow-orange crystalline powder, or diluted forms such as oil suspensions and water-dispersible powders.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
High-purity ubidecarenone powder, typically sold against a USP or supplier specification, used in capsules, tablets and as the starting point for other forms.
CoQ10 dispersed or dissolved in a carrier oil at a stated percentage, used to fill softgels without handling dry powder.
CoQ10 spray-dried or encapsulated with carriers such as gum arabic or modified starch so it disperses in drink mixes and gummies; the CoQ10 percentage is much lower than in the crystalline grade.
CoQ10 bound in a cyclodextrin inclusion complex to make a free-flowing, dispersible powder at a declared CoQ10 content.
Suppliers state whether material is produced by fermentation or synthesis; buyers who want a yeast-fermented or other process claim should get it on the specification.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Keep CoQ10 in tightly closed, light-resistant containers in a cool, dry place; the crystalline powder melts at a low temperature (around 48 °C) and can fuse into lumps if stored warm. Oil suspensions and dispersible powders should be kept sealed to limit oxygen exposure. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and an assay retest is the usual basis for using material past its retest date.
Record the assay for each lot, and for diluted forms the actual CoQ10 percentage, since this sets the fill weight per serving. Note the production route (fermentation or synthetic) on lot records if it appears on the label.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
Health Canada's natural health product monograph for Coenzyme Q10 lists CoQ10, ubidecarenone and ubiquinone-10 as common names.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)The same monograph lists both biosynthesis by microorganisms (including Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and synthetic preparation as accepted sources of coenzyme Q10.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Pasadena, TX
Sells it as Kaneka Q10
Texas-based division of Kaneka North America that makes yeast-fermented CoQ10 in two forms, ubiquinol and ubiquinone, for supplement brands and formulators.
Manufacturer · Xiamen, China
Xiamen-based group that makes nutrition raw materials by fermentation and chemical synthesis, including coenzyme Q10 and vitamin D3. It also owns consumer supplement brands.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include crystalline powder, oil suspension, water-dispersible powder, cyclodextrin complex and fermentation vs synthetic. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect assay (HPLC), related substances, identity, residual solvents, heavy metals and microbiology and physical tests, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Keep CoQ10 in tightly closed, light-resistant containers in a cool, dry place; the crystalline powder melts at a low temperature (around 48 °C) and can fuse into lumps if stored warm. Oil suspensions and dispersible powders should be kept sealed to limit oxygen exposure. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and an assay retest is the usual basis for using material past its retest date.
Health Canada's natural health product monograph for Coenzyme Q10 lists CoQ10, ubidecarenone and ubiquinone-10 as common names. The same monograph lists both biosynthesis by microorganisms (including Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and synthetic preparation as accepted sources of coenzyme Q10.
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